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Evaluation of a paediatric asthma education package for health professionals
Author(s) -
Drakeford Paul A,
Davis Anne M,
Van Asperen Peter P
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2007.01078.x
Subject(s) - medicine , asthma , confidence interval , competence (human resources) , health professionals , inhalation , cohort , medical education , family medicine , pediatrics , health care , anesthesia , psychology , social psychology , economics , economic growth
Aim: To evaluate an evidence‐based paediatric asthma management education package designed for health professionals with particular emphasis on formulation of written asthma action plans (AAPs) and inhalation device technique. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving graduate medical programme medical students and tertiary paediatric hospital junior house staff. Three case‐based Microsoft Powerpoint presentations were used to highlight important aspects of asthma management including the formulation of an AAP and inhalation device technique. This was delivered in small‐group sessions to medical students and as a self‐directed learning exercise to junior house staff. Outcome measures were ability to write an accurate AAP, confidence and competence in using and teaching asthma devices, and knowledge of asthma. Results: Forty medical students and 14 junior house staff were recruited. Mean scores for the written AAP improved from 4.2 (out of 19) to 16.2 for medical students (mean change 12.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) 11.0–13.0; P < 0.001) and from 11.5 to 16.8 for junior doctors (mean change 5.3; 95% CI 3.5–7.2; P < 0.001). Confidence in using and teaching asthma inhalation devices also improved ( P < 0.001 for students and P < 0.05 for house staff), as did asthma knowledge and skills in using the devices in the students ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: The education package was effective in teaching participants how to write an accurate AAP and improved their confidence and ability in demonstrating proper inhalation device technique. We believe that the package has the potential to be used more widely for either small‐group or self‐directed learning.